Projects Will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for Residents and Businesses Across Five Rural Iowa Communities
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 27, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states.
“Rebuilding and modernizing water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to the future of rural communities,” said Grant Menke, State Director of USDA Rural Development in Iowa. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to investing in water infrastructure improvement projects which will yield key health benefits and help spur economic growth – making rural Iowa communities even more attractive places to live and work.”
These 220 projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
Background:
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
Projects announced in Iowa:
· The city of Maquoketa, Iowa, is receiving a $6.2 million loan to replace water main lines in the Platt Street corridor. The water mains are old, undersized and corroding. This project will correct health and sanitary issues caused by frequent water main breaks. Additionally, the city will improve the storm water system and upgrade catch basins to better collect the runoff.
· The city of Farnhamville, Iowa, is receiving a $2.3 million loan and a $1.2 million grant used to improve wastewater system infrastructure. This project will help add a Submerged Attached Growth Reactor (SAGR) system, improve the existing lagoon treatment, ultraviolet disinfection and lift station. Additionally, a small portion of the project costs will be used to refinance existing debt. All improvements will help continue to provide the city's 371 residents with safe wastewater treatment.
· The city of Earling, Iowa, is being awarded a $2.1 million loan and a $770,000 grant to improve wastewater collection system infrastructure. This project will replace piping lining, correct intruding taps, make necessary spot repairs, and replace or rehabilitation existing manholes. Funding will also help to chemically grout all service connections and all wastewater treatment facility improvements, including Lem Tec Biological Treatment and UV Disinfection systems.
· The city of Massena, Iowa, is receiving a $560,000 loan and a $630,000 grant used to complete a cost over run on the project to upgrade the existing aerated lagoon wastewater treatment system with the construction of a submerged attached growth reactor. It will also include the installation of an ultraviolet disinfection system and other sewer system related equipment. This will help improve the quality of life for rural residents.
· The city of Wyoming, Iowa, is receiving a $330,000 loan and a $220,000 grant used to make improvements to the city's water system including the replacement of water mains. The current system ha water pressure and flow issues as well as discoloration occurring in areas with undersized distribution pipe or lack of looping the lines.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia.
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